Six Steps to Complete the Apply Texas Application

Last updated June 29, 2026

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If you’re a Texas student who hopes to attend college in-state, you should know about the Apply Texas application! With this application, students can apply to any public university, as well as many private and community colleges, in Texas. Follow the six steps below to complete the Apply Texas application! 

Create your free account 

Create your account on the Apply Texas website. You’ll be emailed a verification code that must be confirmed before the rest of your personal information is confirmed. 

Choose your application

There are different applications based on the type of school you want to apply to (see image below). You’ll be asked a few quick questions on the site to help you choose the right application. 

Screenshot of the Apply Texas website -Six Steps to Complete the Apply Texas Application

Answer core questions: personal and household information

Once you’ve chosen your application, you will begin to answer the Apply Texas core questions. The first set of questions is about your personal, family, household, and contact information. You’ll also be asked questions about your Texas residency. It will be helpful to have documents relating to your Texas or U.S. residency handy when answering these questions, such as your birth certificate, Social Security number, or I-551 form. 

Answer core questions: education and testing information

This section is all about your academic background – things like your high school coursework, any college credit received, and SAT/ACT scores. Having your high school (and college, if applicable) transcripts and test scores handy will be helpful when answering these questions. 

Answer core questions: extracurricular, employment, and achievement information

List the clubs, teams, or other organizations you participated in throughout high school, as well as any employment you’ve held. You can also list any awards or honors you received during high school. Having your resume will be handy to complete this section of the application.

Search for the colleges you want to apply to and submit!

Your next step is to find the colleges you want to apply to (see image below). Deadlines and required application materials for each college will be clearly laid out so you know what you’ll need to apply. Select a college, complete its individual application, and submit! Depending on where you apply, you may be required to submit an application fee outside of the Apply Texas portal. Eligible students may qualify for fee waivers. 

Screenshot of the Apply Texas website - Six Steps to Complete the Apply Texas Application

Do you have any questions about applying to college? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Start Your College Essay

Last updated June 25, 2026

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A college application essay (also known as a personal statement) is one of the most important parts of your college applications. It allows you to tell your story in your own authentic voice, helping the colleges and universities you’re applying to truly get to know you outside of your resume and application. The “best” college application essay is one that’s just as unique as the person writing it. There isn’t one perfect example or template that works for everyone’s story, so the key is finding a way to express who you are through engaging storytelling and self-reflection. Here are some tips for writing your college application essay!

Choose the right prompt for your story

Choosing a prompt you’re passionate about will breathe energy and life into your essay. This will help it stand out from the thousands of essays that college admissions reviewers will read. Your college essay can be read by an admissions officer, a group of people, alumni of the college, or an admissions committee. 

The Common App has seven different prompts to choose from, and other colleges may have their own prompts as well. Ideally, the prompt you choose should help you best tell your story and give your reader some insight into your personality: your values, what fascinates and excites you, how you’ve grown, and what motivates you about the future. 

Keep your essay focused

You want your essay topic to be an inch wide and a mile deep. What does that mean? Don’t try to talk about your whole life! Pick a specific story or example (inch wide) but tell it in full with lots of detail (mile deep) so your reader feels like they fully understand the story and its impact on who you are. While detailing your experiences is important, avoid going off topic or including any unnecessary details. Make sure each experience relates back to your essay prompt or has a common theme that ties them together.

Show, don’t tell

The saying, “show, don’t tell” is a common guideline when writing your essay. This means instead of stating what happened, describe what happened using vivid details and examples. By “painting” a picture with your words, your reader is better able to understand and follow along in your story.

For example, instead of saying, “I was the president of the Key Club, which taught me leadership skills,” you can “show” it by describing a time when you had to coordinate a team of volunteers, or describing your emotions and thought process when you had to make important decisions under pressure. 

Keep your essay organized

While a college application essay doesn’t require a specific structure, it’s important that your story flows smoothly with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Here’s a quick outline of how that can work:

  1. Introduction paragraph (your thesis statement): Your intro paragraph addresses the prompt and introduces the story you are about to tell. This paragraph is where you’ll clearly state your thesis statement, or the main point you’ll be exploring in your essay, which gives the reader an idea of what to expect and helps focus your narrative. Often, this paragraph starts with a “hook” – a sentence, statement, or introduction that grabs your reader’s attention and draws them into the rest of your story.
  2. Body paragraph(s): The body paragraph (or paragraphs) is where you’ll delve deeper into any experiences or details that support your main topic. It includes specific examples or anecdotes that highlight your personal growth, challenges you’ve overcome, or moments that helped shape your perspective. When sharing your examples, reflect on how it’s impacted you or how it contributed to your personal development.
  3. Conclusion: This is a place to wrap up the story you’ve outlined and discussed in the previous paragraphs, and should not include any new information for the reader. Use this paragraph as an opportunity to show the reader how you’ve grown from your experiences, what you’ve learned, and how you’ll take these lessons with you throughout your college journey. Reflecting on your experiences and looking thoughtfully towards the future shows that you’re ready to make a positive impact at the college you’re applying to.

Download our College Essay Checklist to help you write a strong college or scholarship application essay!

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Mind your word limit

Pay close attention to your word limit. Common App essay prompts are usually 650 words or less. Other colleges and universities may require essays to have a 400-800 word limit. If your essay is over its word limit, it may get cut off or will not be fully reviewed.

Write several drafts 

Your college application essay shouldn’t be written in one sitting! Make your initial draft before giving yourself a bit of a break and returning to it with fresh eyes. Time and space between drafts will stir inspiration and help you remember important details you want to add. 

Proofread

You will want to make sure that your final draft is free of grammatical and punctuation errors. Taking time to proofread and polish your final essay demonstrates to your reader that you have a strong attention to detail and solid writing skills, both of which are essential for college students. Try using Grammarly or ChatGPT to proofread your final draft before submitting, or have a trusted educator take a look!

Let us help you! 

We’re here to help! Submit all of your college and scholarship application essays to us for free review here. We’ll have them back to you with actionable suggestions and feedback within 7-10 days.

Have any questions about drafting your college application essay? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Decide Where to Apply to College

Last updated June 18, 2026

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Once you’ve built your college list, your next step is to begin the process of applying. We share tips to help you decide where to apply to college!

Categorize your schools

Start by organizing your college list into three categories: Reach, Match, and Solid schools.

  • Reach schools are the ones you dream of going to, but are a bit more competitive to get into due to things like small acceptance rates, minimum GPAs or test scores, or even high costs of tuition.
  • Match schools are schools you feel confident about getting accepted to, even if they’re not necessarily at the very top of your list.
  • Solid schools are schools you have a strong chance of getting admitted to. Your test scores, GPA, or coursework typically match those of other incoming students at these schools.

These categories will be different for everyone. You can find out which of your listed schools are a fit by comparing the data colleges publish on their average admitted student GPA and ACT/SAT test scores and comparing them with your own.

Plan your in-person or virtual visits

Visiting a college can help you decide whether to apply. It can give you a better feel for its academics, student life, and things going on around campus. While in-person visits are great, traveling to every college campus on your list might not be possible. However, there are ways to explore a college virtually!

To stay organized during your college visits, use our College Tour Note Sheet. You can jot down notes, questions, or decisions about where you plan to apply. Just click the button below to get started!

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Join alumni and current student groups online

Most colleges have thriving online communities on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These groups, made up of current students and alumni, are welcoming spaces that students interested in attending a certain college can join to get real, experienced-based answers to their most pressing questions.

Talk to your family

If you’re unsure about where to apply or what your college goals are, start a conversation with your family. Together, you can discuss your college plans, work through any hesitations members of your family are experiencing, and set expectations or agreements about changing family dynamics. Being on the same page as your loved ones can make choosing where to apply easier! 

Talk to us!

We’re here to support you along every step of the way, from researching colleges to making your final decision! Do you have any questions about deciding where to apply to college? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Types of Trade Programs

Last updated December 16, 2025

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There are many different types of trade programs out there! These programs, most commonly offered through trade schools or at community colleges, are tailored to help students learn essential skills in their chosen trade. In this article, we’ll share some popular trade programs, where to find them, and the careers they can help you land!

To explore even more trade programs and schools, use this free database! Just enter your zip code to begin.

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

Cosmetology

People who attend cosmetology school are typically interested in beauty and wellness. Cosmetologists are creative, entrepreneurial, and can have flexible schedules. Some cosmetology schools require students to study and practice a variety of skills within cosmetology, such as hair, nails, skincare, or makeup. Others have more specialized and focused programs that allow students to focus on their specific skill of choice.

Getting your cosmetology certificate or license opens you up to all sorts of great career opportunities! There is always a demand for cosmetologists, especially in industries like entertainment. This is also a great pathway if you want to learn about owning and running your own business someday.

A cosmetologist does a woman's makeup - Types of Trade Programs

Culinary

If you love working with your hands, cooking (and eating) great food, want to tell stories about your culture through your food, or have an entrepreneurial spirit, attending a culinary school might be right for you. Some students attend dedicated culinary schools, such as The Culinary Institute of America or the International Culinary Center. Others may attend culinary programs offered through a local community college. 

Regardless of where you study, you will learn essential culinary skills that will be applicable in many different jobs. There are lots of jobs within the food service industry that a culinary program will prepare you for, such as caterer, entrepreneur, hotel or cruise services, airlines, food testing for large companies, personal chef, nutritionist, and baker–just to name a few!

Electrical

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and products. They repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, and identify any electrical problems. Electricians can also work with construction workers, engineers, and architects to help design electrical systems for new buildings. They also have other important skills necessary to do the job, such as problem-solving, troubleshooting, customer service, and knowledge of safety procedures. By refining these skills over time, electricians can work their way up to become master electricians, the highest title and certification one can receive in the industry.

To become an electrician, you will need to receive formal training through a trade school or apprenticeship. To find an apprenticeship in your state, use this interactive map from Explore the Trades.

Web development

Web developers get to think creatively and use their technical skills when they design and develop websites or apps. They help companies and customers define the purpose, audience, and need for a website before building them. Web developers typically only need an associate degree or certification in web design, which can be completed both at community colleges and through online specialized programs. During their training, web developers learn many coding languages and techniques that can translate into many different kinds of jobs, especially as the tech industry continues to boom. 

Emergency services/EMT

Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, provide lifesaving care to patients at the scene of an emergency. They work alongside other first responders to provide critical care to patients before transporting them to the hospital. EMTs must stay prepared and ready to walk into any kind of situation and care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Those that are quick on their feet, can make fast judgment calls, and are passionate about health care should consider becoming EMTs.

Thorough training to become an EMT is required. This training can be done at emergency care training centers, community colleges, and trade schools. To find an accredited EMT program near you, use this database from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The most important thing about any EMT program is that it prepares its participants to become certified– a necessary step to work in this field.

An ambulance on the road - Types of Trade Programs

Do you have any questions about trade programs or attending a trade school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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What is a Trade School? Everything You Need to Know

Last updated September 3, 2025

In this article

If you enjoy hands-on, experiential learning where you can see the results of your hard work, enrolling in a trade program or at a trade school may be a great fit for you! Attending a trade school is often an affordable learning experience that prepares students to enter in-demand careers and industries. Here’s what you should know about trade schools, like how they work and what you’ll need to apply!

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

What is a trade?

Trades are skilled jobs that require focused, specialized training and education. Some common trades are in industries like construction, manufacturing, and carpentry–but the definition of “trades” is rapidly expanding to include careers in technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, health care, and many other industries. 

How do trade schools work? What makes them different from four-year colleges?

Trades are taught through trade schools, technical and vocational schools, and at participating community colleges. The types of trades taught through each kind of school or program will vary.

Some key differences between trade schools and four-year colleges include:

  • Education. Students in trade programs focus only on the specialized trade they’re studying, while students attending a four-year college typically must take elective courses before they begin taking courses for their major.
  • Time spent in school. Because trade students only study the trade they’ve chosen, they typically spend much less time in school than students at four-year colleges. Trade programs usually last anywhere from a few months to two years.
  • Degrees/certificates. Students completing a trade program do not receive a degree, but a certificate of completion which is often industry-recognized. Students attending four-year colleges typically graduate with their bachelor’s degree.
  • Cost. Trade programs are typically much more affordable than tuition at a four-year college.

What do I need to enroll in a trade school? 

Typically, the only thing students need to enroll in a trade school is their high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Trade schools have a minimum age requirement which is typically 17 or 18 years old.

A man wearing a green glove on his right hand kneels over a wooden plank and drills a hole into it - What is a Trade School? Everything You Need to Know

What are the benefits of attending a trade school?

Attending a trade school has many benefits! Here are a few:

  • Class sizes. Class sizes at trade schools are typically small, meaning you’re likely to receive consistent, hands-on support from your instructors. 
  • Strong job prospects. Trade jobs are consistently in-demand, pay well, lead to stable salary increases over the years, and often offer union protections and benefits. The types of trade programs offered in your area may have been built around the industries in-demand near you. For example, maritime jobs in the Pacific Northwest, energy jobs in Texas, and off-shore wind farm jobs in the Northeast are all in-demand!
  • Earn and learn. Many trade programs have employer partners who offer internships, pre-apprenticeships, or apprenticeships to students. These are great paid opportunities that help students apply their learning to real-life situations and gain valuable on-the-job experience!

Are trade programs affordable?

Generally, trade programs are more affordable than tuition at a four-year college. With this in mind, students may find that they need some financial assistance to cover the full cost of their trade program. 

Students attending an accredited trade school can complete the FAFSA, which can make them eligible to receive financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans. This financial aid (especially scholarships and grants, which typically don’t need to be repaid) can significantly reduce the cost of a trade program!

The cost of attending a trade school in your area will depend on a variety of factors, so if you’re interested in a school or program, be sure to do your research to understand its affordability.

We recommend starting your search on this database, which can help you find and learn more about trade schools in your area. After finding a few schools and programs you’re interested in, it’s important to make sure they’re accredited so you will be eligible to receive federal financial aid.

What should I keep in mind when researching trade schools and programs?

There are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your research:

  • Job availability and salary potential. As you think about what you want to study, knowing the job market in your area is important. For example, if you live in an area where there are lots of tech jobs, or where construction is booming, those are great industries to think about pursuing. In addition to this, it can be helpful to have a general idea of the pay that people working in industries that interest you make.
  • Accreditation. Be sure that the schools you’re interested in are accredited. Not only do accredited schools meet specific criteria for quality of education, they are the only types of trade schools that are eligible for federal financial aid. This means that if you’re enrolled at a trade school that isn’t accredited, you won’t be able to complete the FAFSA and receive federal financial aid. 
  • Transferable credits. If you’re considering transferring to a four-year college once you complete your trade program, keep in mind that some or all of your credits may not be transferable. When researching trade schools and programs, check in about how their credits work and what the likelihood is of your credits transferring in the future.

How can I succeed in my trade program?

Success in a trade program requires more than just attending classes and completing assignments. Here are key strategies and resources to help you thrive during your time in a trade program:

  • Engage actively in classes and training. Make the most of your hands-on learning opportunities by actively participating in all practical sessions and lab work. What you’re learning is literally going to be your job! Don’t hesitate to ask questions whenever you need clarification or a deeper understanding of the material.
  • Utilize available resources. Take advantage of career services offered by your school, including resume writing assistance, job search workshops, and interview preparation sessions, all likely offered through your school’s career services center!
  • Seek out practical experience. You may have the opportunity to apply for internships or pre-apprenticeships while in your trade program, which will allow you to gain even more real-world experience. These opportunities not only allow you to apply what you’ve learned, but also enhance your resume.
  • Build a professional network. The connections you make in school will be the building blocks of your professional network. This will include fellow students and your instructors, who can provide support, advice, and potential job leads.
  • Find a mentor. Seek out experienced professionals in your field who can provide mentorship. A mentor can be someone you look up to at your job or an instructor you connect with who can help you navigate your career path. Being proactive and asking for support can feel scary, but the benefits can be enormous!

Do you have any questions about trade school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Benefits of Going To Community College

Last updated December 16, 2025

In this article

Attending community college is an excellent way to learn, discover your educational interests, and earn a degree or credential. For some, it can be a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year college, but for others, it can be a start to a great career. Popularity for attending community colleges has risen because of the variety of coursework and affordability. No matter your academic or professional goals, there are many benefits of going to community college. We share just a few!

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

Save money

Classes at community colleges are typically much more affordable than at four-year colleges; some states and cities even offer programs that make community college free! In some cases, students attending community college live with their families, which also helps them cut down on other expenses associated with attending college, like room and board, groceries, and utilities.

Although community college is a more affordable option, the cost may still be expensive for some students. Luckily, there are plenty of financial aid options available to community college students. Students planning to attend community college can complete the FAFSA and/or state financial aid applications to strengthen their chances of receiving different forms of financial aid, like scholarships, grants, and loans.

(Looking for scholarships? Check out our database of 21,000+ scholarships to start your search!)

Smaller class sizes

Class sizes at community colleges are usually much smaller than at four-year colleges. This is great for many reasons: you can get to know your classmates better, build strong relationships with your professors, and feel more confident when asking for support!

Get a degree in two years or transfer to a four-year college

Students can receive their associate degree or earn a credential when finishing community college. There are plenty of great careers and industries students can work in with their associate degree or credentials, like in tech, health care, government, and many more!

Decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree? You can always transfer from community college to a four-year college!

A woman wears a black backpack and looks down at her phone - Benefits of Going To Community College

Experience campus life

One misconception about community college is that students miss out on campus life compared to students at four-year colleges. In reality, most community colleges have student life activities like clubs, student government, cultural centers, recreation centers, and intramural sports for students to de-stress, make friends, and stay connected to their community!

Ready to apply?

Read our resources for students applying to and attending community college:

Do you have any questions about community college or financial aid? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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​How to Apply to Community College

Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

There are many benefits of attending community college, such as small class sizes, low tuition costs, and the ability to receive a degree in two years. Once you decide that attending community college is right for you, it’s time to work on your application. We share tips on how to apply to community college!

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

Affordable pathway 

Most community colleges are public institutions, meaning they are funded by state or local governments and tend to have lower tuition costs for students, especially those who live in the local area. However, some states also have private community colleges, which may have different tuition rates and program offerings. Unlike many four-year colleges and universities, most community colleges do not offer on-campus housing, so students typically commute from home or live off campus. One of the biggest benefits of attending a community college is that it is a cost-effective option, as tuition is usually much lower compared to four-year schools, making it a more affordable pathway to higher education.

Research with your goals in mind

As you begin to research community colleges near you, take some time to reflect on your academic and career goals. Attending community college can be a fantastic stepping stone to your future, so it’s important to begin with some goals and plans in mind. It’s totally okay if these change over time, but having a general idea of majors and careers that interest you can help you when planning for the future.

  • If your goal is to eventually transfer to a four-year college or university, consider the majors offered at the community college you want to attend. It may be helpful to have a general idea of what you plan to study once you transfer to ensure that any prerequisite credits you’re taking in community college will transfer as well. If you’re unsure of what you want to major in, that’s totally okay too! Many students attending community college typically complete all or most of their general education requirements before transferring and taking classes dedicated to their major.
  • If your goal is to receive a technical (trade) certificate or degree, consider which programs interest you. These programs are career-oriented, meaning that your area of study can directly translate into your field of work. For example, if you study cosmetology at a community college, your career options will be oriented toward the cosmetology industry. Do research on which community colleges offer which types of programs, as not all of them will have the same programs across the board. For example, if you know that you want to be an electrician, and a community college you’re researching doesn’t offer any electrician certificates or degrees, it’s probably best to take that one off your list.
  • If your goal is to receive your associate degree and enter the workforce, spend some time researching which career paths you can pursue after graduating, as different fields will require different types of degrees. For example, many healthcare jobs will only require a high school diploma or associate degree, while teaching jobs will almost always require a bachelor’s degree. If you feel confident about pursuing a specific career path, it’s important to know ahead of time what steps you’ll need to take to enter into it.

Compare and contrast

Once you have your goals in mind, start comparing and contrasting each of the community colleges on your list. Do some research on their website and jot down their:

  • Application requirements
  • Enrollment deadlines
  • Tuition costs
  • Class fees
  • Majors
  • Student involvement opportunities (clubs, sports, etc.)
  • Campus culture
  • Commuting distance

Having all of this information up front can help you decide which one will be the best academic, financial, and social fit. Need some help staying organized during your college search? Use our free college application requirements tracker!

Prepare your application materials

When you fill out an application to enroll in community college, you will usually need to provide:

  • Personal information: State ID or driver’s license, Social Security number, and/or birth certificate.
  • Proof of residency: Rental or lease agreements, utility bills, etc.
  • Academic history: High school diploma, GED, or certified high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and/or any previous college credit.
  • Citizenship status: Passport, Permanent Resident Card (green card), and/or proof of DACA status.

If you check the admissions page of the community college you are interested in, they will typically have a breakdown of all the steps you’ll need to complete to start taking classes there. If you’re unsure about how to start the application process or obtain any of the documents listed above, check in with the college’s admissions or enrollment offices for guidance.

Prepare for your placement test

Once you’re enrolled, you may need to take a placement test, which gauges your proficiency in subjects like reading, writing, and math. Your performance on your placement test will help your college place you into classes that are an academic match for you. Depending on your college’s testing requirements, or grades on your transcripts, you may not need to take a placement test. Check in with your college to learn more once you enroll.

Apply for financial aid

Visit your college’s financial aid office to learn about receiving aid. They can answer your questions and assist you with submitting your FAFSA or state-based financial aid application. They can also walk you through your financial aid options, such as scholarships (private and institutional), grants, and loans. Additionally, they can help you make sure that all your aid is finalized before starting your first term of college. 

Looking for scholarships? Use our free Scholarship Finder to find and apply for 21,000+ scholarships!

Register for orientation and classes

After you enroll, you’ll likely receive an email to register for orientation. Whether it’s online or in-person, attending orientation is important! Orientation is a great time to make friends, get to know your new campus, and register for classes with your academic advisor. You will also become familiar with essential campus resources like the academic success center and career center. This time and space to ease into college life can make the transition much smoother! 

Do you have any questions about applying to community college? We’re here to help! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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College Visits: 7 Things to Do

Last updated September 18, 2025

In this article

College visits are much more than a campus tour! They’re an opportunity to get a feel for the overall experience a college offers its students and whether you can picture yourself thriving in its community. In this article, we’ll share 7 things you can do to make the most of your college visits! 

Explore academic programs 

If a college offers majors or programs that interest you, try making an appointment with a professor or advisor in those departments to learn more. They can offer some insight into the required coursework, classes that students love, and what alumni have done professionally after graduating. They can also potentially connect you with current students in that program to learn more about their experience. Having an idea of whether that college can give you the academic experience you’re looking for early on can help you decide if you want to apply there when it’s time! Learn more about choosing a college major. 

Additionally, if possible, you can also request to sit in on a class or lecture in a major that interests you. This can help you familiarize yourself with educators in that department and learn more about class sizes at a college. 

Explore the surrounding community

If you have any free time during your visit, check out the college’s surrounding community and what it has to offer. Try heading to a restaurant, coffee shop, or park to help you consider whether the area feels like a place you’d enjoy living for the next few years. You can also try to learn more about the public transportation in the area and how convenient it is to get to places from campus. 

Explore housing options

If you plan to live on campus your freshman year, try touring a residence hall. You can ask RAs or tour guides about different housing options on campus and their general costs. You can also learn more about any amenities offered in dorms, such as dining halls or laundry facilities. 

Get a feel for the campus culture

Campus culture plays a significant role in a student’s college experience! Choosing a college whose culture aligns with your values, provides opportunities for you to de-stress and have fun, and makes you feel safe and supported is key. On your college visit, check out campus hangout spots and student spaces to get a feel for a day in the life of a student there. 

Visit admissions and financial aid

During college visits, students will typically learn about the application and financial aid processes. If you want to learn more, you can head to the admissions and financial aid offices to speak with someone and ask any questions you may have! You can ask about what makes a stand-out application at that school, tips for completing financial aid forms such as the FAFSA, and more. 

Talk to students

During your college visit, try asking a current student about their experience at that school. You can ask things like: 

  • What are the pros and cons of attending school here?
  • What are some clubs and events on or around campus that students love? 
  • How does this school respond to social and political events?
  • How does this school take care of its students?
  • Where are the best study and food spots?

Hearing about a college straight from current students can help you decide whether it would be a good fit for you!

Take notes

Document your experience on campus by taking notes about what you’ve learned, any pros and cons, and whether you can see yourself attending and thriving at that school. These notes will definitely come in handy as you start to work on your college applications! 

Click the button below to download our college tour note sheet and keep all your thoughts, notes, and questions organized! 

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Do you have any questions about college visits? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Research Schools & Build Your College List

Last updated September 3, 2025

In this article

With so many college options to choose from, it’s important to develop a strategy to narrow down your choices. Building a college list allows you to compare your options to make an informed decision about where to apply. Making decisions during the college application process can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Follow the tips below to research schools and build your college list.

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Decide what’s most important to you

Everyone’s goals and interests are unique, so it’s important to identify what matters to you when researching colleges. Take a moment to reflect on your priorities and be honest with yourself–what your family wants in a school may not necessarily align with what you want. This is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better to consider what you want from your college experience.

For example, here are some things to consider as you reflect on your ideal college:

  • Think about the location of the college. Do you plan to live at home? Do you want to live on campus but be within a few hours from home? Does going to a school in a different state sound like the best option for you?
  • How do extracurricular activities, like clubs or sports, factor into your decision?
  • Make sure to research the size of the school and its classes. Do you want a small professor to student ratio? Is a bigger school with bigger class sizes more ideal?
  • Is it important for your school to share your religious and/or social awareness values? How much will these requirements weigh on your decision to apply?

Read more for information on some of these factors and how they can impact your college experience:

Use the right search tools

To begin your research, we recommend using three resources. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool and College Board’s BigFuture platform both provide information about colleges’ graduation rates, average annual costs, and student body demographics. If financial fit is a priority for you, uAspire’s list of financially safer schools can also help in your search.

If you have specific schools in mind, use their websites to research academic factors like majors or minors offered, classes offered and their descriptions, and professor profiles. To get a better sense of the college’s culture, values, and community, you can also follow their social media accounts to see what’s happening on and around campus. Using these tools will allow you to get a full picture of each college before deciding where to apply.

Organize your list and keep it manageable

When you begin your college search, you may already have a long list of schools–and that’s okay! It’s completely normal to start with a list of 20-30 colleges that meet your criteria before narrowing it down as you go deeper into your research. Once you have your list, categorize them into reach, match, and solid schools:

  • Reach schools are the ones you dream of going to, but are a bit more competitive to get into due to things like lower acceptance rates, minimum required GPAs or test scores, or even high costs of tuition.
  • Match schools are schools you feel confident about getting accepted to, even if they’re not necessarily at the very top of your list.
  • Solid schools are ones you have a strong chance of getting admitted to. Your test scores, GPA, or coursework typically match those of other incoming students at these schools.

Once everything is categorized, consider narrowing your list down to 10-15 colleges, with a few schools in each category to keep your options open. Organizing your list and keeping it manageable will help you stay on top of your applications and make the college search process less overwhelming!

Time to build your list!

Ready to start building your college list? Click the button below to download our free College List Builder!

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Do you have any questions about the college application process? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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